The Hassle-Free JMT Permit Application - Image

The Hassle-free JMT Permit Application

Let's face it, planning for a long-distance hiking adventure can be daunting; there are a LOT of details to take into consideration. Before you can begin any overnight excursion out on the John Muir Trail (JMT), you will need to acquire a permit. This post offers a hassle-free step-by-step guide for obtaining a permit to hike one of the most iconic trails in the United States. As long as you have an open mind to hiking a non-traditional route (although it is becoming more and more desirable these days), then you can easily obtain your permit within a matter of hours...no waiting and no rejections.

Backpacking the John Muir Trail (JMT). A hiker traverses snow approaching Glen Pass

What I’ve Learned While Backpacking the John Muir Trail

Every single time I venture out into the wilderness, I learn something new. I believe there's always something to be learned from every experience, whether I've done it for the first time or done it a thousand times. In this article, I share some anecdotes, lessons learned, and a few entertaining bits of information that may be helpful to you on your next backpacking adventure.

The remaining of the food for the entire trip is prepped and needs to be distributed for mail drops.

The JMT – I have to carry how much food?

Prepping to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT) can be daunting, there are so many things to take into consideration: permits, which direction to go, transportation and logistics, gear and equipment, and elevation. The final thing that needs to be considered, but probably will consume the most time and is the most labor-intensive part of the planning process (in my opinion, other than training), is the food.

In addition to determining how much food to buy, what food to buy, and how the food will be prepared, you will need to consider how much the food is going to weigh. Seriously, who knew food could be so complicated?